Wrench

ABSTRACT

An adjustable wrench in which the handle is tubular, is rotatable relative to one jaw and has an internal thread for engaging threads on the shank of the other jaw so that the jaws can be opened and closed by rotation of the handle relative to the said one jaw.

States Patent Inventor Cal W. Stonehurg 5054 Midfield Drive, Portage, Mich. 49081 Appl. No. 859,399

Filed Sept. 19, 1969 Patented Jan. 4, 1972 WRENCH 2 Claims, 6 Drawing Figs.

US. Cl. 7/1 G,

Int. Cl B25b 13/16 Field of Search 8 1/ 164, 168,169,170 UM; 7/1 G References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 11/1900 Jackson 81/169 5/1923 Ochoa..... 8l/180CX 8/1927 Elliott 81/164 11/1907 Crispin etal.... 81/169 8/1908 Sanders 81/169 9/1925 Morris 81/180 C Primary Examiner-James L. Jones, Jr. Att0rneyWoodhams, Blanchard and Flynn ABSTRACT: An adjustable wrench in which the handle is tubular, is rotatable relative to one jaw and has an internal thread for engaging threads on the shank of the other jaw so that the jaws can be opened and closed by rotation of the handle relative to the said one jaw.

WRENCH The present invention relates to a wrench, and more specifically to an improved adjustable wrench such as those com monly known as pipe wrenches, crescent wrenches, and the like which is easier to adjust to size and more inexpensively manufactured.

Conventionally, such wrenches are provided with a wheel rotatably mounted in the one jaw portion of the wrench and threadedly engaged with the other member of the wrench for moving the jaw portions toward and away from each other. This wheel is usually mounted in one jaw portion in a manner such that only the peripheral edge of the wheel is accessible to the person adjusting the wrench to the proper size. For this reason, such wrenches can only be adjusted to the proper size using two hands, i.e., on hand to hold the wrench and the other hand to turn the wheel. Further, such wrenches usually must be disengaged from the object to which the wrench is desirably applied in order to make this adjustment. It is therefore desirable to provide an improved wrench which can be adjusted to the proper size more easily and 'in many cases without removing the wrench from the object to which the wrench is subsequently going to be applied.

Further, it is difficult to apply sufficient force to the movabl'e wheel of such wrenches so as to cause the jaws to move together with sufficient force to deform and close off a pipe. There are numerous situations in which a plumber has need for a tool for pinching off thin-walled pipe in order to make emergency repairs. Although tools are available for this purpose, these are specialty items and a plumber may not have one available when it is needed. Therefore, it is desirable to provide an improved wrench which can also, if necessary, be used for pinching off thin walled pipe.

It is therefore the primary object of this invention to provide an improved wrench having adjustable jaw portions which can be more easily adjusted than conventional wrenches.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved adjustable wrench, the jaw portions of which can be adjusted to size in many cases without removing the wrench from the object to which the wrench is subsequently going to be applied by rotating the handle portion of the wrench.

Further, an object of this invention is to provide an improved wrench construction which can be manufactured more inexpensively than conventional wrenches and which permits the jaw portions of the wrench to be more easily adjusted than conventional wrenches.

Yet a further object of this invention is to provide an improved wrench construction in which sufficient force can be applied to move the jaws toward each other so that the wrench can be used as a pinch off tool for thin walled pipe in emergency situations.

Still further, an object of this invention is to provide an improved wrench construction for an adjustable wrench which can be manufactured more inexpensively than conventional wrenches and which pennits the jaw portions of the wrench to be moved toward and away from each other by rotating the handle portion clockwise and counterclockwise, respectively, of the wrench.

The above mentioned and other features and objects of this invention and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itself will be best understood by reference to the following description of an embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 7

FIG. 1 is a side view of the improved wrench of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the handle portion of the wrench illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the bar portion of the wrench illustrated in FIG. 1 taken substantially along the section line 33 of'FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a view of the jaw portion of the wrench to which the handle is attached illustrated in FIG. 1 viewed in a direction generally perpendicular to the gripping surface of the said jaw portion;

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the said jaw portion illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4; and

FIG. 6 is a sectional view substantially taken along the section line 66 of FIG. I.

In the broader aspects of this invention, there is provided a wrench with adjustable jaw portions and a handle portion rotatablyconnected to one of the jaw portions and threadedly engaged to the other jaw portion. The handle portion is rotatable independently of both jaw portions to move the jaw portions toward and away from each other.

Referring now to the drawings, the improved wrench of this invention is shown to comprise a first jaw member 10, a second jaw member 12 and a tubular handle member 14. Member 10 has a substantially straight bar portion 16 and a lirstjaw portion 18. Bar portion I6 has an axis 20, a generally rectangular crosssectional shape (see: FIG. 3) and opposite ends 22 and 24. Extending from end 24 a partial length of the bar portion 16 toward end 22 are threads 26. Jaw portion I8 is secured to the bar portion 16 adjacent end 22 with a gripping surface 28 facing the threads 26. Gripping surface 28 is generally perpendicular to the axis 20.

The second jaw member 12 is provided with an aperture 30 extending therethrough and a second jaw portion 32 having a gripping member 34 pivotally connected thereto. Gripping member 34 is provided with a gripping surface 36 which is shown in the drawing to be substantially perpendicular to the axis 40 of the aperture 30. However, the gripping member 34 is free to move independently of the jaw member 12 into and out of the position illustrated in which the surface 36 is perpendicular to the axis 40 of the aperture 30, as will be hereinafter described. In the specific embodiment illustrated in the drawings, the gripping member 34 is connected to the jaw member 12 by means of a pin 38 which extends through the jaw portion 32 of the member 12 and is enlarged at the opposite ends thereof.

Aperture 30 has a cross-sectional area 42 having a rectangular shape which is geometrically similar to the overall shape of the cross section of the bar portion 16 shown in FIG. 3. However, the cross-sectional area of the aperture 30 has a size slightly larger than the cross section of the bar portion 16, such that the bar portion 16 can be inserted within the aperture 30 and the jaw member 12 can be.slid relatively axially along the bar portion 16 between end24 and a position in which the gripping surfaces 28 and 36 are engaged. When the jaw member 12 is so mounted on the bar portion 16, the axis 40 of the aperture 30 and the axis 20 of the bar portion 16 are generally coincident; and thus, the bar, portion 16 and the aperture 30 are coaxial of each other. The relative sizes of the respective cross sections of the bar portion 16 and the aperture 3 0 prevent the jaw member 12 from being rotated about the axis 20 and the bar portion 16. Thus, the gripping surface 36 will always be in registry with the gripping surface 28 as the jaw member 12 is slid relatively along the bar portion 16.

Jaw member 12 further is provided with a rectangular transverse slot 44 having a bottom 46 and open sides 48. Aperture 30 communicates with bottom 46 of slot 44. Slot 44 is positioned with the bottom 46 generally perpendicular to the axis 40 and facing away from the gripping surface 36 of the jaw member 12. Also communicating with slot 44 is an opening 50. Opening 50 is generally rectangular in shape and extends between opposite sides 48 in one direction and has a dimension less than the comparable dimension of slot 44 in the direction perpendicular thereto thereby forming a pair of oppositely disposed lips 51 overlying and spaced from bottom Referring now to FIG. 2, handle member 14 will now be described. Handle member 14 comprises an exterior tubular member 52 having opposite ends 54 and 56 with an annular flange 58 secured to the member 52 adjacent end 56. The flange 58 may be knurled on its exterior, as shown. Flange 58 extends perpendicularly outwardly from the exterior of the member 52 and has a thickness and diametral dimensions which are less than the corresponding dimensions of slot 44,

respectively. The diametrical dimension of the flange 58, on the other hand, is greater than the dimension of the opening 50 measured perpendicularly to the direction of a line extending between opposite sides 48. Adjacent to end 54 is an opening 60 which extends through the member 14. in the specific embodiment illustrated tubular member 52 has a cylindrical exterior surface 59 and a cylindrical interior bore 61. The handle member 14 is connected to the jaw member 12 by inserting the flange 58 in the slot 44. This may be achieved by sliding the flange 58 into one of the open sides 48 of the slot 44 until the bore 61 is in registry with the aperture 30. In the position, member 14 is positioned within the opening 50 and the member 14 is positioned coaxially ofthe aperture 30. The size of the slot 44 and the opening 50 are such that when the member '14 is positioned therein, member 14 is rotatable about the axis 40 of the aperture 30 independently of the movable jaw member 12 due to the slot 44 being of a size slightly larger than the flange 58 and the opening 50 slightly larger than the tubular portion of the member 14.

Secured coaxially within the handle member 14 is a tubular insert 62. This tubular insert 62 extends from end 56 a partial length of the member 14 and has threads 64 formed in the interior surface 63 which extend the entire length thereof. Tubular insert 62 in the specific embodiment illustrated, has a cylindrical exterior surface 65.

In a specific embodiment, insert 62 can be press fitted into the member 14 by choosing the diameter of the surface 65 to be only slightly less than the diameter of the bore 61; or alternatively, the insert 62 can be secured in the bore 61 by welding, soldering, brazing or other conventional methods. Threads 64 in the interior surface 63 are such that the insert 62 can be threadedly engaged to the bar portion 16 of the member 10. So positioned, threads 64 of the insert 62 mate with the threads 26 of the bar portion 16.

Now assembling the wrench, bar portion 16 of the member is positioned within the aperture 30 and the handle member 14 with the insert 62 secured therein is positioned within slot 44 as aforedescribed. Bar portion 16 is then threadedly positioned within the insert 62 by rotating the handle member 14. In this manner, the various parts of the wrench are assembled as shown in FIG. 1 with a portion of the bar portion 16 coaxial of the aperture 30, the handle member 14 and the insert 62.

in a specific construction of the wrench of this invention, each of the various parts of the wrench are made of a durable metal, such as iron or steel. However, any metal which has the requisite strength and durability can be used. in the specific embodiment illustrated, which is intended to be used as a pipe wrench, gripping surfaces 28 and 36 are provided with teeth 66 which will mate when the surfaces 28, 36 are placed in intimate engagement with each other.

in operation, the wrench above described and illustrated is used substantially in the same manner as conventional wrenches. However, thejaw portions 18 and 32 of the wrench ofthis invention can be adjusted to size by rotating the tubular handle member 14 about the axes and 40; in the specific embodiment illustrated, clockwise rotation of the handle member 14 will move thejaw portions 18 and 32 together and counterclockwise rotation of the handle member 14 will move thejaw portions 18 and 32 apart. in most cases, the wrench of this invention need not be removed from the object to which the wrench is desirably applied during this adjusting opera tion. For this reason, the wrench can be positioned on the object to be gripped by the wrench and the handle member rotated until the gripping surfaces 28 and 36 engage that object. The wrench, in many applications can be both held and adjusted by means of the handle member 14, and thus, the wrench can be adjusted to size single handedly. The pivotal movement of the jaw member 34 functions to wedge the object desirably gripped by the wrench between the gripping surfaces 28 and 36 when force is applied to the wrench.

Thus, the wrench ofthis invention provides for the adjusting of the jaw portions 18 and 32 in a manner which is more convenient than the manner in which conventional wrenches are adjusted and in a manner which is less time consuming and easier. Further, the wrench of this invention is more simple in construction than conventional wrenches, and thus, is more inexpensively manufactured.

Still further, opening 60 is provided in handle member 14 adjacent to end 54 in order that a rod may be inserted therein to obtain a greater leverage to rotate the handle member 14. This provision permits the member 14 to be rotated to grip an object between the griping surfaces 28 and 36 ofthe first and movable jaw members 10 and 12, respectively, more firmly than possible with conventional wrenches. Moreover, by inserting a rod into the opening 60, the jaw members 10 and 12 can be tightened with sufficient force so as to deform and flatten a thin walled pipe to minimize or substantially prevent flow of fluid therethrough. Thus, the wrench can be used as a pinchofftool to make emergency repairs.

The surface 67 of the member 12 can be shaped like the head of a hammer so that the tool can be used as a hammer when thejaws are fully tightened. 1n the fully tightened condition of thejaws, saidjaws are locked up so that relative movement is prevented whereby damage to the jaws as a result of the use of the tool as a hammer is prevented. Further, because of the extensive length ofcngagement between threads 26 and 64, when the jaws are fully tightened, injury to these parts is minimized and a very strong and durable construction is provided.

lclaim:

1. An adjustable wrench comprising a firstjaw member hav ing a substantially straight, elongated, externally threaded bar portion and having a first jaw portion extending transversely from one side of said bar portion, said bar portion being generally rectangular in cross section; a second jaw member comprising a body having a generally rectangular, elongated aperture therethrough and having a second transversely extending jaw portion positioned on one side of said aperture and disposed at one end of said body in confronting relationship to said first jaw portion, said externally threaded bar portion slideably extending through said aperture so that said bar portion can slide axially but is retained against rotation with respect to said secondjaw portion, said body having a substantially flat exterior surface on the opposite side of said aperture from said second jaw portion, said surface extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of said aperture for substantially the entire length of said aperture, said body having at the other end thereofa recess which is coaxial with, communicates with and is of greater width than said aperture, said recess having open sides and having opposed retaining lips at the end thereof remote from said aperture; a tubular elongated handle member having an enlarged flange at one end thereof, said flange being received in said recess and retained therein by said lips so that it can rotate in said recess but is held against substantial axial movement with respect to said body, said tubular handle comprising a cylindrical outer member and an internally threaded cylindrical insert fixedly secured within said outer member and extending from adjacent said flange part way along the length of said cylindrical outer member, said bar portion being threadedly engaged with said insert, said cylindrical outer member having a transverse opening therethrough adjacent the other end thereof; said substantially flat exterior surface of said body being located outwardly of the portions of said first jaw member and said handle on opposite longitudinal sides thereof.

2. The wrench ofclaim 1 wherein said secondjaw portion is pivotally secured to said second jaw member and has a gripping surface, said second jaw portion being movable into and out ofa position in which said gripping surface is perpendicular to said axis. 

1. An adjustable wrench comprising a first jaw member having a substantially straight, elongated, externally threaded bar portion and having a first jaw portion extending transversely from one side of said bar portion, said bar portion being generally rectangular in cross section; a second jaw member comprising a body having a generally rectangular, elongated aperture therethrough and having a second transversely extending jaw portion positioned on one side of said aperture and disposed at one end of said body in confronting relationship to said first jaw portion, said externally threaded bar portion slideably extending through said aperture so that said bar portion can slide axially but is retained against rotation with respect to said second jaw portion, said body having a substantially flat exterior surface on the opposite side of said aperture from said second jaw portion, said surface extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of said aperture for substantially the entire length of said aperture, said body having at the other end thereof a recess which is coaxial with, communicates with and is of greater width than said aperture, said recess having open sideS and having opposed retaining lips at the end thereof remote from said aperture; a tubular elongated handle member having an enlarged flange at one end thereof, said flange being received in said recess and retained therein by said lips so that it can rotate in said recess but is held against substantial axial movement with respect to said body, said tubular handle comprising a cylindrical outer member and an internally threaded cylindrical insert fixedly secured within said outer member and extending from adjacent said flange partway along the length of said cylindrical outer member, said bar portion being threadedly engaged with said insert, said cylindrical outer member having a transverse opening therethrough adjacent the other end thereof; said substantially flat exterior surface of said body being located outwardly of the portions of said first jaw member and said handle on opposite longitudinal sides thereof.
 2. The wrench of claim 1 wherein said second jaw portion is pivotally secured to said second jaw member and has a gripping surface, said second jaw portion being movable into and out of a position in which said gripping surface is perpendicular to said axis. 